Electrode reaction mechanisms in molten carbonate fuel cells

Abstract

This report describes the results of a joint research effort at Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) and Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) to elucidate the reaction mechanism of oxygen reduction at the cathode of the molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC). This research project was aimed at developing novel experimental approaches to the chemistry and electrode kinetics of oxygen reduction under MCFC conditions, and improving our fundamental understanding of the reaction mechanism as it applies to the MCFC. IIT's contribution was focused on developing and using rotating electrodes with well-defined mass-transfer properties, to characterize the electrode kinetics of oxygen reduction in molten carbonate. CWRU's contribution was focused on developing and using micro-electrodes for the same purpose, and also on developing spectroscopic cells and carrying out various types of spectroscopic measurements to characterize the oxygen species in molten carbonate under MCFC conditions. This report is divided into two main parts. Part 1 provides the technical background of the questions concerning oxygen reduction in molten carbonate as they apply to the MCFC system. The methodological approach and the objectives of the research are also presented. The second part describes the development of the rotating electrodes, micro-electrodes and spectroscopic cells and the results ofmore » measurements, as well as the interpretation of the data. Conclusions of this project, including some recommendations for further research, are also given in this part. 111 refs., 69 figs., 7 tabs.« less